I can't say I have more than a subjective view, but people such as you describe, from my father's generation (him included, and coloring my impression), are/wer

I can't say I have more than a subjective view, but people such as you describe, from my father's generation (him included, and coloring my impression), are/were often "wicked" smart and also curious. I'm reminded of stories about how many were recruited from linguistics programs and other areas. These are often people with a diversity of interests. And yet, they tend to excel in all or most of those interests. (Linguistics, physical sciences, mathematics, music, photography, social sciences, etc., etc.) My impression is that it was more difficult, and challenging, and that the people you found there had self selected down to a very, very capable -- and often interesting -- subset. I guess you also had the more "corporate" roles. But even many of those had to "get their hands dirty" when it came to picking the proverbial or literal moth out of the innards so that e.g. payroll wouldn't be delayed. (There was no "plug and play".)